Making a Kali Linux VM with VMware on Windows

So today we are going to set up a Kali Linux virtual machine using VMware on Windows and install the essential tools needed for penetration testing and lab practice.

This guide walks through everything step-by-step.

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Step 1 – Downloading VMware

First, open your web browser and go to:

https://access.broadcom.com/default/ui/v1/signin/

Create an account and download VMware Workstation Player.

After downloading:

1. Open your Downloads folder
2. Double-click the VMware installer
3. Click Yes if Windows asks for permission
4. Click Next
5. Accept the license agreement
6. Leave the default install location
7. Make sure to check:
   • Enhanced Keyboard Driver
   • Add VMware to PATH (if available)
8. Click Install
9. Restart your computer if prompted

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Step 2 – Downloading the Kali Linux Pre-Built Image

Now we’ll download Kali Linux’s pre-built VMware image.

Go to:

https://www.kali.org/get-kali/#kali-virtual-machines

Download the VMware version.

The file will come compressed. To extract it:

1. Download 7-Zip from: https://www.7-zip.org/
2. Install 7-Zip
3. Right-click the Kali file
4. Click 7-Zip → Extract Here

This will extract the full virtual machine folder.

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Step 3 – Setting Up the Virtual Machine

Now open VMware Workstation Player.

1. Click Open a Virtual Machine
2. Navigate to your Downloads folder
3. Open the extracted Kali folder
4. Select the .vmx file inside

Before starting the VM, adjust the hardware settings:

• Set RAM to 4GB minimum
• Set CPU cores to 2 (4 if your system allows it)

Click Play to start the VM.

Default login credentials:

Username: kali Password: kali

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If Your Mouse Does Not Show

If the mouse cursor is invisible:

1. Press Ctrl + Alt to release the mouse
2. Shut down the VM
3. Go to VM → Manage → Change Hardware Compatibility
4. Click Next
5. Select Workstation 17.5 or later
6. Finish the setup

Restart the VM and the mouse issue should be resolved.

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Step 4 – Installing Kali’s Tools

Once logged into Kali:

Open the Terminal (top menu or terminal icon) and run:

sudo apt update

Then:

sudo apt upgrade -y

Let this finish completely.

Now install the full Kali toolset:

sudo apt install -y kali-linux-large

This installs most of the commonly used penetration testing tools.

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Conclusion

In this guide, we:

• Installed VMware on Windows
• Downloaded Kali Linux
• Set up a working virtual machine
• Installed Kali’s toolsets

Kali Linux is a powerful operating system used for penetration testing, cybersecurity research, and ethical hacking practice.

Always make sure you have proper authorization before testing any systems.

More labs and walkthroughs coming soon.